Should I get a Flu Shot?

What is a Flu Vaccine?

• The flu vaccine is made two ways according to the CDC. Either the vaccine is made from an inactivated (killed) virus which is not infectious, or by using a single gene from the flu virus (instead of the full virus) in order to produce an immune response without causing infection.

You received the Flu shot and now you feel sick. Why?

• Side effects from the flu vaccine may cause redness, tenderness, swelling, as well as possible headache, fever and muscle aches. In several randomized, blinded studies, some individuals were given inactivated flu shots while others were given saline (salt-water) shots. There was no difference in terms of fever, body aches, runny nose or cough. This is the body’s immune response and what helps us build up antibodies. This lets you know your body is doing what it is supposed to do – recognizing a foreign invader and reacting to it.

• Another reason why an individual might feel sick is that other respiratory illnesses such as rhinoviruses cause some of the same symptoms as the flu and also spread during the flu season.

• Despite getting vaccinated, the flu vaccine does not protect against every strain of the flu, only the most common and expected strains of the upcoming flu season. It is possible that a person may get infected with a strain of the flu that was not covered in the vaccine.

• Finally, the flu vaccine can vary in how well it works between individuals. While it can’t make you sick, it may not offer as much protection as hoped for. Still, the odds are in your favor and getting the flu vaccine helps protect you as well as those around you.

Can you get the flu vaccine if you are allergic to eggs?

• The answer is YES. This is the CDC’s response to this question:

People with egg allergies can receive any licensed, recommended age-appropriate influenza (flu) vaccine (IIV, RIV4, or LAIV4) that is otherwise appropriate. People who have a history of severe egg allergy (those who have had any symptom other than hives after exposure to egg) should be vaccinated in a medical setting, supervised by a health care provider who is able to recognize and manage severe allergic reactions.

Vaccinating is your BEST protection against the flu virus.

The cost of vaccination is typically minimal and most insurance companies will cover this cost, compared to the medical bills associated with an inpatient stay due to the flu. Be proactive and protect yourself and those around you!